Library Closed as Staff Relocates Thousands of Items

As the Library makes progress on the “Your Library Reimagined” project, the facility will be closed for several weeks, starting Monday, July 9. In addition to renovation work, library materials are being moved (from storage), back on to the shelves. More than 70,000 items are being relocated as 1.2 miles (linear feet) of shelving is moved and reorganized.

There will not be overdue fines assessed for materials returned late during this time. The book drop is located outside of the building to allow patrons to return DVDs, magazines, books, and any other library material. The reopening date will be announced through newspapers, social media, or patrons can call the Library.

The children’s storytelling program with Windell Campbell, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, has been moved to the Sanibel Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way. Cartooning with Doug MacGregor at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, has also been relocated to the Community House.

The Library’s eShelf will be available during the time the Library is closed. The book drop is located in the front of the building to allow patrons to return DVDs, magazines, books, and any other library material. Overdue fines will not be assessed during this time. The holds (or “request”) service has been suspended. The Library is not taking new requests for interlibrary loans (ILL) until next month. Library staff will contact patrons if their requested ILL book arrives in July.

The Library’s reopening date will be announced through newspapers, email, on the Library’s website, and via social media. Patrons can also call the Library at (239) 472-2483 for information.

A celebration of the reopening of the Library will be planned for the fall.

The Library’s Summer Reading Program is funded in part by a grant from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation‘s Joan Hunt Cory Children’s Fund. The Children’s Fund was established in 2008 to honor longtime library volunteer and supporter Joan Hunt Cory, who was also a 20-year Sanibel resident.

Planning for Your Library Reimagined renovation project started in 2015, when the Library Board and staff analyzed obsolete infrastructure in the now 25 year-old building. To respond to the ever-changing needs of users, the project includes rearranging the floor plan for greater service and more modular meeting space. The improvements include larger windows to maximize the natural light and views; four new study rooms; two computer labs with the fastest Internet available; a flexible “Think Tank” Maker Space; plus revised outdoor courtyard space. There will also be a new Archives Room with digitization capabilities for easier scanning of photos. Much of the updates are behind the scenes with more efficient electrical, plumbing and tech systems which will also lower operating costs.

For more information about the project, call the Library at (239) 472-2483.